Anupam Kher Recalls Shutting Down Aamir Khan on Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin Sets with a Sharp English Retort

Veteran actor Anupam Kher recently stirred nostalgia and curiosity among Bollywood fans by recalling an incident from the sets of the 1991 romantic classic Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin, where he claims to have “shut down” Aamir Khan with a firm English phrase, leaving the superstar flustered enough to complain to the film’s director Mahesh Bhatt.

Kher shared the anecdote during a recent interview while reflecting on memorable moments from his early career in Hindi cinema. “Aamir was being a bit cheeky on set. He said something that rubbed me the wrong way. I turned to him and used a crisp English phrase — I won’t repeat it here — but it was enough for him to walk straight to Mahesh Bhatt and complain,” Kher said with a chuckle.

A Flashback to a Cult Classic

Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin, starring Aamir Khan and Pooja Bhatt, directed by Mahesh Bhatt, is remembered as a defining romantic comedy of the early ’90s. Anupam Kher played the role of a protective father, contributing to the film’s emotional depth with his signature gravitas and comic timing.

Despite the clash, Kher clarified that the incident was not hostile, describing it as a “creative misunderstanding” that’s common during intense shooting schedules. “We were both professionals, and the matter ended there. Aamir is someone I’ve always respected for his discipline and craft,” he added.

Industry Reacts with Amusement

As the anecdote went viral on social media, fans and industry insiders weighed in. Many praised Kher’s candid storytelling, while others speculated about what the exact phrase might have been. Some even pointed to the ego clashes and tight tensions that often arise between senior and younger actors during shoots.

Film historian Rajeev Masand noted, “This incident offers a glimpse into the dynamics of Bollywood in the early 90s — where stars were rising fast, and strong personalities frequently clashed. But professionalism usually prevailed.”

No Hard Feelings

Neither Aamir Khan nor Mahesh Bhatt has publicly responded to the anecdote yet. However, both have worked with Kher on multiple occasions since then, suggesting that the incident left no lasting rift.

Kher, known for his frank and often humorous reflections on Bollywood, has recently been more active in public storytelling — from theatre to autobiography — and uses such incidents to highlight the human side of stardom.

Anupam Kher’s candid recollection of the minor clash with Aamir Khan adds another fascinating layer to the lore surrounding Dil Hai Ke Manta Nahin, a film beloved by generations. It also reminds audiences that even behind iconic films lie moments of tension, wit, and mutual growth between the artists who bring them to life.